EP2148975B1 - Amplification hydraulique d'écoulement pour un dispositif d'émission d'impulsions, de fracturation, et de forage (pfd) - Google Patents

Amplification hydraulique d'écoulement pour un dispositif d'émission d'impulsions, de fracturation, et de forage (pfd) Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2148975B1
EP2148975B1 EP08726053.5A EP08726053A EP2148975B1 EP 2148975 B1 EP2148975 B1 EP 2148975B1 EP 08726053 A EP08726053 A EP 08726053A EP 2148975 B1 EP2148975 B1 EP 2148975B1
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Prior art keywords
flow
pilot
pfd
pressure
throttling device
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EP08726053.5A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP2148975A4 (fr
EP2148975A1 (fr
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David John Kusko
Gabor Vecseri
Daniel Maurice Lerner
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    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B7/00—Special methods or apparatus for drilling
    • E21B7/18—Drilling by liquid or gas jets, with or without entrained pellets
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B4/00—Drives for drilling, used in the borehole
    • E21B4/02—Fluid rotary type drives
    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E21—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; MINING
    • E21B—EARTH OR ROCK DRILLING; OBTAINING OIL, GAS, WATER, SOLUBLE OR MELTABLE MATERIALS OR A SLURRY OF MINERALS FROM WELLS
    • E21B41/00—Equipment or details not covered by groups E21B15/00 - E21B40/00
    • E21B41/0085—Adaptations of electric power generating means for use in boreholes

Definitions

  • the current invention includes an apparatus for creating a hydraulically amplified pulse within PFD medium (fluid or gas), generally known as drilling mud, fracturing fluid, injection fluids or gas, etc. that is generated by selectively initiating flow driven bi-directional pulses.
  • PFD medium fluid or gas
  • the present disclosure describes devices relating to flow pulsing methods and apparatus for use in various applications, such as in: down-hole drilling equipment and in particular to an improved flow pulsing method and apparatus of this type adapted to be connected in a drill string above a drill bit for securing improvements in the overall drilling process; fracturing the formation through perforations or liners or while drilling due to the hydraulic amplification of the PFD device; injection of fluids or gases for tertiary recovery or other sorts of injections requiring hydraulic amplification for delivery purposes; sending out large pulses downhole that could be read in nearby wells for seismic mapping.
  • the device include operating a flow throttling device (FTD) within a specially designed annular flow channel.
  • the pulse is used for; the reduction of "stick-slip"; increased rate of penetration of the drill bit due to the hammer-like pulsation and increased jetting action caused by the hydraulic amplification of the drilling fluid; removal of cuttings from the annular flow channel behind the drill string; and optionally, an increase of the hydraulic fracturing pressure downhole at the formation of interest.
  • the number of uphole pumps for this process could be conceivably reduced to one.
  • Use of a gamma ray detector, pressure or other formation sensors at or above the drill bit is also a portion of the present disclosure and can be used in conjunction with the pulsing mechanism for the capture and transmittal of formation information.
  • Coiled tubing drill strings with downhole motors powered by drilling fluids are restricted by the amount of pressure that can be tolerated inside the coiled tubing.
  • the axial jerk on the bit and hydraulic amplification of this flow throttling device allows for increased jetting and removal of cuttings at the bit, where the pressure pulses and weight on the bit are most needed.
  • the increased jetting action clears away the cuttings during drilling which may cause the drill string to become stuck in the hole if not removed from the annular flow channel between the drill pipe and the formation. Removing these cuttings will reduce the NPT (non-productive time) associated with the drill string getting stuck in the hole when cuttings build up.
  • the flow throttling device may optionally be set so that the pressure pulses downhole are hydraulically amplified so that the formation is fractured to increase the permeability of the formation of interest and extend the flow channels further outward away from the drill bore, thus increasing the surface area of the formation from which hydrocarbons can be produced.
  • This fracturing while drilling or after drilling (with a formation isolation mechanism similar to a pack which will be referred to as a packer isolation mechanism (PIM)) can be used selectively, depending on whether the operator wants to produce the well while drilling, or fracture the formation of interest through liners or perforations subsequent to the drilling operation.
  • PIM packer isolation mechanism
  • Use of a single uphole pump (frac truck) may be possible in this case and this represents a dramatic capital and labor savings uphole compared with conventional technology.
  • the pulses can be adjusted to be large enough to be read uphole through an annular pressure transducer, the use of a gamma ray detector directly above the bit in conjunction with the pulser can be used to maintain the drill string within the formation of interest.
  • the gamma ray detector is located several feet above the drill bit so that when the bit strays outside the formation of interest, the driller can more quickly correct direction and thereby maximize the time within the pay zone.
  • the FTD will also, for a short period of time, release some of that compression on the drill string when it generates its large pressure pulse downhole, similar to a snake coiling and uncoiling. This coiling and uncoiling effect known as "axial jerk” also produces the added benefit of drilling a straighter hole. Additionally, the FTD will have a tendency to "pick" forward straight through formation induced deviations.
  • the benefits of drilling a straighter hole include allowing for the FTD to spend less time stuck in the hole; more accurate placement of the bit into the formation of interest thus enhancing recovery efficiencies; less time correcting direction when the drill string wanders off course; less mechanical inefficiencies caused by the drill string rubbing against the side of the hole if the hole is not vertical; less wear on the drill string during drilling; and an overall increase in the ROP (rate of penetration) primarily due to drilling a straighter hole.
  • the present disclosure includes embodiments of devices with decreased sensitivity to fluid flow rate or pressure within limits, does not require field adjustment, and is capable of creating recognizable, repeatable, reproducible, clean (i.e. noise free) fluid pulses using minimum power due to a unique flow throttling devices (FTD) that may partially be powered by magneto-electric and turbine generated energy systems as well as a unique pilot flow channel design.
  • FTD flow throttling devices
  • the annular flow channel is specifically designed such that laminar flow exists in the area where the pulse occurs. Additional pulsers with varying pressure amplitudes and/or frequencies are easily added to enable an exponential increase in the bit amplitude and/or pulse rate.
  • the devices of the present disclosure provide large pressure pulses closing the fluid flow stream with a flow throttling device (FTD).
  • FTD flow throttling device
  • Other earlier developed devices possess different failure mechanisms that include closing valves and utilizing operating springs with by-pass channels, which are unnecessary for the devices of the present disclosure.
  • the failure mechanism for the devices of the present disclosure includes a flow throttling device that exists in the open state when not functioning. The need for a by-pass channel design is optional for the present devices.
  • the present disclosure includes devices which provide a higher bit rate and potentially more easily controlled pulses which can utilize downhole pressure transducers that are energized with an electrical circuitry control package.
  • the flow throttling devices utilized allow for a more controlled opening of channels for the fluid flow and therefore the frequency, duration, and amplitude of the pulses can be provided as needed by a knowledgeable operator.
  • the amplitude may be adjusted by keeping the pulser bell from closing off fluid channel flow completely. In fact, the bell itself may provide channel opening and closing vents or ducts.
  • the pulse generated by the present devices also is not required to be periodic, but could be "aperiodic" in that the residence frequency is also controllable.
  • An additional objective is to provide apparatus that would allow the continuation of the drilling process without the benefit of the pulsating flow, in the event that the restricting member fails in operation and remains in the opened position.
  • the present disclosure in one aspect provides a flow pulsing apparatus including a housing providing a passage for a main flow of fluid and a means for periodically interrupting the flow through main passage to create pulsations in the flow with a time delay between pulses and a cyclical water-hammer effect to vibrate the drill string during use.
  • the present invention discloses a novel device for creating pulses in drilling fluid media flowing through a drill string near or at the drill bit.
  • Devices currently in use require springs or other techniques to assist in creating pulses.
  • EP 0 601 811 A2 discloses a measuring tool for collecting down hole information which essentially has a sensor sub including plural data collecting sensors secured at a forward portion of a drilling pipe and a sonde movable in the drilling pipe. Both the sensor sub and sonde employ a set of loop antennas to effect radiocommunication between them to thereby certainly send data detected by means of the sensors to the sonde.
  • the intermediate publication WO 2006/041499 A2 discloses a device, method, and system for creating a pressure pulse from drilling fluid within a drill string in a down hole drill collar for enabling measurement while drilling.
  • the device and system are designed such that primarily laminar flow exists in the area surrounding the pulser apparatus.
  • the method associated with the reproducible and essentially noise-free pulses occurs when a pulser bell is manipulated in an upward and downward direction by a combination of the solenoid activation of a bi-directional poppet to redirect the fluid flow from the pressure reservoir to and from a sliding pressure chamber and associated upper and lower flow connecting channels.
  • the pulse or non-pulse is converted into a digital signal uphole by a pressure transducer in conjunction with a decoding algorithm.
  • RU 2 256 794 C1 discloses a face telemetry system with hydraulic communication channel which has a setting bushing and a well block, having a pulse generator, a stator and a rotor of which have longitudinal channels, a holder for the rotor relatively to the stator, a hydraulic turbine and an electro-generator, the rotor of which is set on same shaft with the hydraulic turbine rotor.
  • a fixing body is connected to an upper portion of a shaft of the pulse generator rotor.
  • a guiding apparatus of the hydraulic turbine is made in arranging a bushing in form of longitudinal grooves evenly distributed around a circle, forming same angle with diametric plane, which is different from 0°.
  • the rotor of the hydraulic turbine is provided with longitudinal blades and is connected to the rotor of pulse generator by a friction sleeve, which is made in form of engaged disks and cylindrical torque spring, one end being connected to the pulse generator rotor and the other end to a lower engagement disk.
  • An upper engagement disk is connected to an hydraulic turbine rotor end.
  • An anchor of an electromagnetic drive for the fixing body can have longitudinal hydraulic channels, and on its end a working space non-magnetic washer can be mounted.
  • U.S. Patent No. 7,100,708; to Koederitz, William I. ; and assigned to Varco I/P, Inc. describes a method for controlling the placement of weight on a bit of a drilling assembly during the start of a drilling operation with the method comprising the steps of; establishing a set point for a parameter of interest related to the placement of weight on the bit; monitoring the parameter of interest and increasing actual weight on bit in a gradual manner until the set point is reached for the parameter of interest.
  • the weight on bit is increased in a gradual manner by establishing a plurality of intermediate set points below the set point and sequentially moving the weight on bit along the intermediate set points.
  • the drillstring includes at least one cleaning device while rotating the drillstring and circulating fluid through the drillstring into the hole.
  • at least one adjustable vane is extended away from the cleaning device to clean accumulated cuttings from the drilled hole.
  • U.S. Patent No. 7,032,689; to Goldman , et. al.; and assigned to Halliburton, describes an apparatus for predicting the performance of a drilling system comprising a first input device for receiving data representative of a geology characteristic of a formation per unit depth wherein the geology characteristic includes at least rock strength; a second input device for receiving data representative of specifications of proposed drilling equipment of the drilling system for use in drilling a well bore in the formation wherein the specifications include at least a specification of a drill bit.
  • a processor is operatively connected to the first and second input devices for determining a predicted drilling mechanics in response to the specifications data of the proposed drilling equipment as a function of the geology characteristic data per unit depth according to a drilling mechanics model and outputting data representative of the predicted drilling mechanics.
  • the predicted drilling mechanics includes at least one selected from the group consisting of bit wear, mechanical efficiency, and power and operating parameters.
  • the processor further outputs control parameter data responsive to the predicted drilling mechanics data wherein the control parameter data is adaptable for use in a recommended controlling of a control parameter in drilling of the well bore with the drilling system.
  • the control parameter includes at least one selected from the group consisting of weight-on-bit, rpm, pump flow rate, and hydraulics.
  • a third input device for receiving data representative of a real, time measurement parameter during the drilling of the well bore where the measurement parameter includes at least one selected from the group consisting of weight-on-bit, rpm, pump flow rate, and hydraulics.
  • the processor is further operatively connected to the third input device and configured for history matching the measurement parameter data with a back calculated value of the measurement parameter data wherein the back calculated value of the measurement parameter data is a function of the drilling mechanics model and at least one control parameter and therein responsive to a prescribed deviation between the measurement parameter data and the back calculated value of the measurement parameter data.
  • the processor is configured to perform at least one selected from the group consisting of; adjust the drilling mechanics model and modifying the control parameter data of a control parameter.
  • U.S. Patent No. 7,011,156; to von Gynz-Rekowski, Gunther HH ; and assigned to Ashmin, LC describes a tool for delivering an impact comprising a cylindrical member having an internal bore, a first anvil and a first rotor disposed within the internal bore of the cylindrical member.
  • the first rotor has an outer circumference with a first profile and contains an internal portion, a radial hammer face and a first sleeve disposed within the internal bore of the cylindrical member.
  • the first sleeve has a top radial face containing a second profile that cooperates with the first profile.
  • the first rotor has a position relative to the first sleeve wherein the first profile cooperates with the second profile so that the first radial hammer face contacts the first anvil and the first rotor has another position relative to the first sleeve wherein the first profile cooperates with the second profile so that the first radial hammer face is separated from the first anvil.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,997,272; to Eppink, Jay M. ; and assigned to Halliburton, describes an assembly for drilling a deviated borehole from the surface using drilling fluids comprising a bottom hole assembly connected to a string of coiled tubing extending to the surface having a flowbore for the passage of drilling fluids.
  • the bottom hole assembly includes a bit driven by a downhole motor powered by the drilling fluids, the bottom hole assembly and string forming an annulus with the borehole, a surface pump at the surface to pump the drilling fluids downhole, a first cross valve associated with the surface pump providing a first path directing drilling fluids down the flowbore and a second path directing drilling fluids down the annulus.
  • a second cross valve adjacent the bottom hole assembly has an open position allowing flow through an opening between the flowbore and the annulus above the downhole motor and a closed position preventing flow through the opening.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,840,337; to Terry, et. al. ; and assigned to Halliburton, describes an apparatus for removing cuttings in a deviated borehole using drilling fluids.
  • the apparatus comprises a pipe string; a bottom hole assembly having a down hole motor and bit for drilling the borehole.
  • the pipe string has one end attached to the bottom hole assembly; the pipe string being non-rotating during drilling and a means for raising at least a portion of the pipe string in the deviated borehole to remove cuttings from underneath the pipe string portion.
  • the pipe string portion is disposed in the deviated borehole significantly uphole of the bottom hole assembly.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,668,948; to Buckman, et. al. ; and assigned to Buckman Jet Drilling, Inc. describes a nozzle for jet drilling, comprising a body having an inlet end and an outlet end.
  • the inlet end has a connector mechanism and the body has a longitudinal axis and forming an inlet chamber adjacent the inlet end.
  • the second chamber has an outlet and the disk has a plurality of orifices therethrough. At least one of the orifices is directed at a selected tangential angle with respect to the longitudinal axis for imparting a swirling motion to fluid in the second chamber.
  • front orifice forming the outlet of the second chamber with the front orifice having a selected diameter and an extension affixed to the outlet end of the body.
  • the extension has an interior surface for confining fluid in a radial direction with the interior surface having a diameter greater than the diameter of the front orifice.
  • the impulse force is utilized to provide a hammer drilling effect at the drill bit.
  • the housing defines a throughbore to permit passage of drilling fluid and a valve located in the bore, including first and second valve members, each defining a respective axial flow opening and which openings are aligned to collectively define an open axial drilling fluid flow port.
  • the first member is rotatable about a longitudinal axis of the housing to vary the alignment of the openings between a first alignment in which the openings collectively define an open axial flow port of a first open area and a second alignment in which the openings collectively define an open axial flow port of a second open area greater than the first open area to, in use, provide a varying flow therethrough and variation of the drilling fluid pressure and drive means operatively associated with the valve for rotating the first member.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,439,316; to Penisson, Dennis ; and assigned to Bilco Tools, Inc. describes a safety system for controlling operation of a power tong used to make up and break apart a threaded oilfield tubular connection.
  • the power tong includes a tong frame having a frame open throat, a rotary ring rotatably supported on the tong frame and having a ring open throat.
  • There is a door supported on the tong frame for opening to laterally move the power tong on and off the oilfield tubular connection and for closing over the frame open throat when the oilfield tubular connection is within the rotary ring, and a hydraulic motor supported on the tong frame for rotating the rotary ring.
  • the safety system comprises a motor control valve operable to control flow of pressurized fluid from a hydraulic power source to the hydraulic motor, a switch supported on the tong frame for outputting a signal in response to the position of the door with respect to the tong frame, a valve operator for controlling operation of the motor control valve, a fluid pressure responsive member for automatically engaging and disengaging operation of the valve operator and thus the motor control valve.
  • the fluid pressure responsive member is biased for disengaging operation of the motor control valve and a safety control line for interconnecting to the switch and the fluid pressure responsive member such that the switch engages operation of the valve operator by transmitting a closed door signal to the valve operator when the door is closed and the switch disengages operation of the valve operator by transmitting an open door signal to the valve operator when the door is open.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,338,390 to Tibbitts, Gordon A. ; and assigned to Baker Hughes, Inc., describes an earth drilling device for variably contacting an earth formation comprising a near bit sub member configured for attachment to the downhole end of a drill string. There is a bit body attached to the near-bit sub member with the bit body having fixed cutting elements secured thereto and positioned to contact an earth formation.
  • An apparatus associated with the near-bit sub member for produces a variable depth of cut by the fixed cutting elements into the earth formation while the bit body is rotated by the drill string.
  • the apparatus is structured to provide axial movement of the bit body relative to the near-bit sub member to produce a variable depth of cut by the fixed cutting elements into the earth formation during drilling.
  • the apparatus comprises a lower member attached to the bit body and an upper member spaced from the lower member and biased with respect thereto by a resilient member providing movement of the lower member relative to the upper member.
  • the housing defines a throughbore to permit passage of fluid therethrough.
  • a valve located in the bore defines a flow passage and includes a valve member.
  • the valve member is movable varying the area of the flow passage to, in use, provide a varying fluid flow therethrough.
  • a fluid actuated positive displacement motor operatively associated with the valve drives the valve member and a pressure responsive device which expands or retracts in response to the varying fluid pressure created by the varying fluid flow and the expansion or retraction providing a percussive effect.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,237,701; to Kolle, et. al. ; and assigned to Tempress Technologies, Inc. describes an apparatus for generating a suction pressure pulse in a borehole in which a pressurized fluid is being circulated comprising a valve having an inlet port, an outlet port, and a drain port.
  • the inlet port of the valve is adapted to couple to a conduit through which the pressurized fluid is conveyed down into the borehole.
  • the valve including a first member, that is actuated by the pressurized fluid to cycle between an open state and at least a partially closed state and the first member, while in the at least partially closed state, partially interrupts a flow of the pressurized fluid through the outlet port so that at least a portion of the flow of the pressurized fluid is redirected within the valve without completely interrupting the flow of the pressurized fluid into the inlet port.
  • the pressurized fluid that was redirected within the valve when the first member was last in the at least partially closed state subsequently flows through the drain port and back up the borehole.
  • a high velocity flow course is coupled in fluid communication with the outlet port of the valve. Having an inlet and an outlet, the suction pressure pulse is generated when the first member is in the at least partially closed state by substantially reducing the flow of the pressurized fluid through the high velocity flow course.
  • U.S. Patent No. 6,102,138; to Fincher, Roger W. ; and assigned to Baker Hughes, Inc. describes a downhole drilling assembly comprising a downhole motor supported on tubing with a bit driven by the motor, a thruster mounted to the tubing which extends in length for application of a desired weight on the bit and a compensating device to compensate for pressure change in the tubing caused by the bit or the motor to allow proper functioning of the thruster.
  • the body defines a central passageway extending therethrough from the top to the bottom in an axial direction so that the body has a side wall and a central passageway defining an inlet aperture at the top of the body, an exit aperture at the bottom of the body and a cylindrical portion.
  • the body also defines a side passageway extending through the side wall intermediate the top and bottom of the body.
  • the side passageway is in flow communication with the central passageway and intersecting the cylindrical portion.
  • the space between the nozzle and the upstream end provides communication between the main flow passage and the by-pass flow passage.
  • An axially movable valve member located in the downstream end of the conduit and co-operating with a valve seat located downstream of the valve member interrupts the flow through the conduit.
  • There is one or more passages downstream of the valve seat providing communication between the main flow passage and the by-pass passage in a region downstream of the valve seat.
  • the valve member is adapted to move to a closed position in response to flow along the valve member thus interrupting the flow through the conduit creating a water hammer pulse which travels upstream through the conduit and the nozzle and also through the space between the nozzle and the upstream end of the conduit.
  • the pulse also travels downstream along the by-pass passage and through the further passage(s) to the region downstream of the valve member thus tending to momentarily equalize water hammer pressures on upstream and downstream sides of the valve member.
  • the spring is adapted to move the valve member away from the seat under these equalized pressures whereupon flow within the conduit again commences thus again effecting the closure of the valve member whereupon the above recited sequence of events is repeated to produce a cyclical water hammer and flow pulsating effect.
  • the hollow element comprises a deformable wall enclosing a fluid-filled cavity and first and second mounting points on the deformable wall.
  • a change in a fluid pressure in the fluid-filled cavity causes the second mounting point to move relative to the first mounting point; connecting the first mounting point to a structure to be vibrated relative to a member and connecting the second mounting point to the member and opening the valve and holding the valve open until the fluid flows through the conduit with a velocity sufficient to create a water hammer within the conduit.
  • a water hammer within the conduit comprising a pressure pulse having a pressure significantly greater than the output pressure; allowing the water hammer pressure pulse to propagate into the cavity in the hollow element to increase the fluid pressure inside the cavity; allowing a change in the fluid pressure in the cavity to cause the first mounting point to move relative to the second mounting point thereby moving the structure relative to the member repeating the above steps to cause the structure to shake relative to the member wherein the cavity is connected to the conduit by a branch conduit.
  • the step of allowing the water hammer pressure pulse to propagate into the fluid filled cavity comprises allowing the water hammer pulse to propagate through the branch conduit into the cavity.
  • the step of holding the valve open until the fluid flows through the conduit creates a velocity sufficient to create a water hammer within the conduit comprises reducing the fluid pressure in the cavity by allowing the fluid to flow through an aspirator in the conduit wherein the aspirator is connected to the branch conduit.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,508,975; to Walter, Bruno H. ; and assigned to Industrial Sound Technologies, Inc. describes a liquid degassing apparatus and driving system comprising means for causing a first liquid to flow through a first conduit from an upstream end to a downstream end and a valve in the first conduit for selectively substantially blocking the flow of the first liquid.
  • the valve has an open position wherein the flow is substantially unimpeded and a closed position wherein the flow is at least substantially blocked.
  • Closing the valve produces a continuous series of water hammer acoustic pulses within the first conduit.
  • a chamber containing a second liquid coupled to the hydraulic driving system and a coupler in fluid communication with the driving system and the chamber with the coupler comprising a fluid-filled passage having a first end connected to the first conduit upstream from the valve and a second end connected to an interior region of the chamber and a stiff, resiliently deformable, impermeable, deflection cap blocking the fluid-filled passage.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,190,114; to Walter, Bruno H. ; and assigned to Intech International, Inc. describes a liquid flow pulsing apparatus including a housing having means providing a passage for a flow of liquid and means for periodically restricting the flow through the passage to create pulsations in the flow and a cyclical water-hammer effect to vibrate the housing during use.
  • the means for periodically restricting the flow including a constriction means in the passage to accelerate the flow to a higher velocity and a first passage region through which the accelerated higher velocity liquid flows followed by a downstream passage region adapted to provide for a reduced liquid velocity and a movably mounted control means exposed in use to the liquid pressures associated with the first passage region and to the liquid pressures associated with the downstream passage region.
  • the housing is arranged such that the movably mounted control means has one surface portion exposed to the liquid flow in the first passage region and a generally opposing surface position in communication with the liquid pressure existing in the downstream passage region such that the control means tends to be moved rapidly in a cyclical fashion between the first and second positions by virtue of the alternating differential pressure forces which arise from liquid flow induced pressure effects and water hammer effects acting on the control means during use.
  • U.S. Patent No. 5,009,272; to Walter, Bruno H. ; and assigned to Intech International, Inc. describes a flow pulsing apparatus including a housing having means providing a passage for a flow of fluid and means for periodically interrupting the flow through the passage to create a cyclical water-hammer effect to vibrate the housing and provide pulsations in the flow during use.
  • the means for periodically interrupting the flow include a constriction means in the passage to accelerate the flow to a higher velocity and a first passage region through which the accelerated higher velocity fluid flows followed by an enlarged downstream passage region adapted to provide for a reduced fluid velocity and a control means having a pair of generally opposed faces.
  • the control means is associated with the first passage region and being movable between a substantially open full-flow position and a substantially closed flow interrupting position.
  • the control means in use, has one of the faces at least partially exposed to the higher velocity fluid flow provided by the first passage region such that when the control means is in the open position the higher velocity fluid flow tends to reduce the pressure force acting on at least a portion of the one face and when the control means is in the closed position the flow interruption creates a fluid pressure force increase acting on at least a portion of the one face while the other of the faces of the control means is, in use, at least partially exposed to the fluid pressures existing in the downstream passage region.
  • the control means thus tends to be moved rapidly, or to vibrate, between the substantially open and substantially closed positions under the influence of the alternating differential pressure forces acting on the opposed faces of the control means during use.
  • U.S. Patent Publication No. US20060076163A1; to Terracina, et. al. ; and assigned to Smith International, Inc. describes a method for designing a drill bit comprising modeling a domain between a drill bit having a first design and a surrounding wellbore, defining a plurality of regions wherein one of the plurality of regions is disposed within each of a plurality of flow paths through which fluid travels through the domain, determining an allocation of flow among the plurality of flow paths through the domain and modifying the first design of the drill bit such that the allocation of flow is substantially uniform among the plurality of flow paths.
  • U.S. Patent Publication No. US20050121235A1; to Larsen, et. al. ; and assigned to Smith International, Inc. describes a drill bit comprising a bit body with a bit central axis and defining a gage diameter.
  • a first roller cone, attached to the bit body has a cone shell, a journal axis, a gage curve, a first set of cutting elements that cut to the gage diameter and a second set of cutting elements that cut inside the gage diameter. There is a gage point at the intersection of the gage curve and at least one of the first set of cutting elements.
  • a second roller cone attached to the bit body, having a cone shell, a journal axis, a third set of cutting elements that cut to the gage diameter and a forth set of cutting elements that cut inside of the gage diameter.
  • a first nozzle receptacle formed by the bit body and closer to the gage diameter than to the central axis with the first nozzle receptacle forming a first centroid and a first projected fluid path.
  • the lateral angle for the first projected fluid path defined with respect to a first plane, the first plane being defined by the bit body central axis, and by a first line lying parallel to the bit body central axis and intersecting the first centroid.
  • the first projected fluid path is disposed at an angle of at most a magnitude of six degrees to the first plane and a second nozzle receptacle formed by the bit body and closer to the gage diameter than to the central axis.
  • the second nozzle receptacle forms a second centroid and a second projected fluid path.
  • a lateral angle for the second projected fluid path is defined with respect to a second plane and also being defined by the bit body central axis.
  • a second line lying parallel to the bit body central axis and intersecting the second centroid defines the second projected fluid path and is disposed at an angle of at least a magnitude of six degrees to the second plane wherein a radial angle for the second projected fluid path is defined with respect to at least two bounding lines.
  • the second projected fluid path is directed between an outer gage boundary line and an inside boundary line with the outer gage boundary line being defined in a viewing plane perpendicular to the second projected fluid path.
  • the outer gage boundary line is perpendicular to the projection of the journal axis for the first roller cone on the viewing plane and intersects the projected journal axis at a point of projection of an outer gage point on the viewing plane.
  • the outer gage point is disposed at the intersection of the journal axis and a line perpendicular to the journal axis extending through the gage point.
  • An inside boundary line is defined in the viewing plane where the inside boundary line is perpendicular to the projected journal axis and intersects the projected journal axis at a projection of the inside bounding point on the viewing plane.
  • the inside bounding point is disposed along the journal axis at a distance equal to 20 percent of the gage diameter from the outer gage point toward the bit body central axis.
  • U.S. Patent Publication No. US20040108138A1; to Cooper, et. al. ; and unassigned, describes a method for optimizing drilling fluid hydraulics when drilling a well bore when the drilling fluid supplied by a surface pump through a drill string to a drill bit comprises the step of adjusting the flow rate of a surface pump and a fluid pressure drop across the drill bit while drilling such that the drill bit drilling fluid hydraulics are optimized for a given drilling condition.
  • the device provided by the current disclosure invention allows for the use of a flow throttling device that moves from an initial position to an intermediate and final position in both the upward and downward direction corresponding to the direction of the fluid flow.
  • the present invention avoids the direct use of springs, the use of which are described in the following patents U.S. Pat. No. 3,958,217 , U.S. Pat. No. 4,901,290 , and U.S. Pat. No. 5,040,155 , and U.S. Pat. No. 6,588,518 , 6,508,317 , 6,279,670 , and 6,053,261 .
  • An objective of the disclosure is an apparatus, method and system for generating pressure pulses flowing within a drill string having a pulse generating device longitudinally and axially positioned within an annular drill collar flow channel in a region above or below the drill bit and/or the positive displacement motor or rotary steerable tool, or situated near the formation of interest that needs injection for tertiary recovery, or situated adjacent to a formation that is being fractured.
  • a pulsing/fracturing/drilling (PFD) medium liquid or gas flows through the annular drill collar flow channel and the PFD medium is guided into two sets of selectively reversible flow, upper and lower flow connecting channels, wherein the connecting channels are connected to an inner flow channel and the annular drill collar flow channel.
  • the annular drill collar flow channel is acted upon by one or more flow throttling devices thereby transmitting signals i.e. large, high frequency pressure pulses, wherein the apparatus utilizes a turbine residing near and within proximity of a flow diverter that diverts the PFD medium in the annular flow channel into and away from the turbine blades such that the force of the PFD medium causes the turbine blades and the turbine to rotationally spin around a coil assembly to generate electricity to operate and control the FTD.
  • the apparatus for generating pulses includes a pilot, a pilot bellows, a flow throttling device (FTD), a sliding pressure chamber, and a pulser guide pole.
  • Upper and lower inner flow connecting channels provide for reversal of flow wherein the pilot seals an upper inner flow channel from the lower inner flow channel such that the flow throttling device and the pilot are capable of bi-directional axial movement along or within the guide pole.
  • the coil assembly generates electrical power for operating a motor and other operating equipment useful for instrumentation with the motor having a drive shaft centrally located between the motor and a magnetic pressure coupling wherein the motor and the coupling are mechanically coupled such that the motor rotates a magnetic pressure coupling outer magnets and moves the pilot actuator assembly.
  • the magnetic coupling is formed by a location external and internal to the magnetic pressure cup where outer magnets are placed in relation to inner magnets.
  • the inner magnets are located in a position inside the magnetic pressure cup. Coupling of the inner and outer magnets allow for translating rotational motion of the motor and outer magnets to linear motion of the inner magnets via a magnetic polar interaction wherein linear motion of the inner magnets move the pilot actuator assembly.
  • the linear movement of the pilot into a pilot seat closes a pilot seat orifice lifting a flow throttling device into a flow throttling orifice and thereby generating a pulse.
  • Further rotation of the motor drive shaft and outer magnets move the pilot actuator assembly and the pilot away from the pilot seat causing the flow throttling device to move away from the flow throttling orifice thereby ending the positive pulse.
  • the motor is connected to a drive shaft through a mechanical device including a worm gear, barrel cam face cam, or other mechanical means for converting the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion to propel the pilot actuator assembly.
  • Another objective of the disclosure includes a pulser guide pole capable of providing a path for the pilot and the flow throttling device for operation in a bi-directional axial movement.
  • pilot actuator assembly is comprised of a rear pilot shaft, front pilot shaft, and pilot.
  • the differential pressure is minimal in that slight force acting on a small cross-sectional area of a pilot seat defines a pressure that is required to either engage or disengage the pilot.
  • the motor may be synchronous, asynchronous or stepper and is activated to fully rotate or to rotate incrementally in various degrees depending on wellbore conditions or the observed signal intensity and/or duration of drilling.
  • the turbine resides within the annular flow channel of a flow guide and wherein the annular flow channel has diverting vanes that direct flow of PFD medium through and around a surface of the turbine.
  • the turbine includes a turbine shroud having turbine magnets that rotate with the motion of the turbine around the coil assembly causing electrical power to be generated and allowing for decreased battery requirements, a decrease in cost of the battery, decreased operational downtime, and subsequently decreased cost of the apparatus.
  • energy consumption may also be further reduced by pre-filling the bellows chamber with a lubricating fluid, gel or paste.
  • Another objective of the disclosure is where the outside diameters of the turbine blades around a pulser housing is smaller than a flow guide extension inner diameter thereby allowing the turbine to be removed concurrently with the pulser housing.
  • the apparatus for generating pulses includes allowing a bellows to move linearly, concurrent with the pilot actuator assembly.
  • the design of the bellows interacts with the pilot actuator assembly and a bellows chamber allowing the bellows to conform to the space constraints of the bellows chamber providing flexible sealing without the bellows being displaced by the pressure differential created by the drilling fluid.
  • the bellows may include a double loop configuration designed for flexible sealing thereby requiring less energy consumption during displacement of the bellows.
  • Another objective of the disclosure is where the pressure pulse in the PFD medium is sensed by instrumentation located uphole and wherein the pulse is communicated optionally with wireless devices to a computer with a programmable controller for interpretation.
  • the pulse is used for fracturing the formation either while or after drilling, thus reducing the number of frac pumps required uphole.
  • the drill collar which can act as a packer isolation mechanism (PIM) in cased hole applications, where the PFD medium flows into a flow guide annular drill collar flow channel and also into a guide pole such that the PFD medium from the annular drill collar flow channel flows through outer annular flow channels when the flow throttling device is in the open position and not in contact with a flow throttling device seat.
  • PIM packer isolation mechanism
  • Another objective of the disclosure is when the flow throttling device is in the open position, the PFD medium flows unrestricted around the flow throttling device bypass flow regulators and continues exiting the outer annular flow channels.
  • Another objective of the disclosure is where the linear movement of the flow throttling device is caused by the PFD medium that is moving through the guide pole, passing through the guide pole and exiting into a flow throttling device pressure chamber above a rotating valve which includes a featured rotating valve flow bevel that is coupled to a positive displacement motor.
  • the positive displacement motor provides rotational motion to the rotating valve such that the upper portion of the rotating valve resides at the bottom of the guide pole and, upon rotation, allows the rotating valve flow bevel to seal and unseal the guide pole channel forcing the PFD medium to flow into the flow throttling device pressure chamber, thereby hydraulically moving the flow throttling device up the guide pole until it contacts the flow throttling device seat, thus closing off the outer annular flow channels.
  • Another objective of the disclosure is where the rotational motion of a rotating valve moves the rotating valve flow bevel past the guide pole channel sealing the guide pole channel and creating back pressure within the guide pole, refilling the flow throttling device pressure chamber.
  • Another objective discloses a high pressure relief spring such that should the positive displacement motor fail, the rotating valve is pulled away from the guide pole channel, allowing the PFD medium to evacuate the system.
  • the PFD medium flows into the flow guide annular drill collar flow channel and also into the guide pole.
  • the PFD medium from the annular drill collar flow channel flows through the outer annular flow channels when the flow throttling device is in the open position and not in contact with the flow throttling device seat such that when the flow throttling device is in the open position the PFD medium flows unrestricted around the flow throttling device bypassing the flow regulator.
  • the PFD medium from a bypass flow regulator continues moving down the outer annular flow channels where the mud contacts the turbine blade causing the turbine blade to rotate the positive displacement turbine thus using the linear motion of the PFD medium to convert into rotational motion at the positive displacement turbine.
  • the positive displacement turbine rotates the rotating valve within the flow throttling device.
  • the rotating valve includes a top angled cutout and a bottom angled cutout located at a top-most portion of the rotating valve within a lower end of the guide pole such that the PFD medium in the guide pole contacts the top angle cutout of the rotating valve.
  • an angle of a rotating top angled guide coincides with a chamber inlet channel within the guide pole such that the PFD medium is allowed to enter the flow throttling device pressure chamber allowing the PFD medium to exert a hydraulic pressure raising the flow throttling device until the PFD medium contacts the flow throttling device seat shutting off the flow of the PFD medium through the outer annular flow channels.
  • Another objective of the disclosure is where the movement of the flow throttling device against and away from the flow throttling device seat causes opening and closing the outer annular flow channels sending a pressure pulse through the PFD medium capable of measurement uphole by a pressure or sonic sensor or elsewhere in another borehole or various surface or subsurface locations.
  • a top angled cutout and bottom angled cutout are continuously rotated as part of the rotating valve any time within the PFD medium such that a rotational frequency of the top angled cutout and the bottom angled cutout by a chamber inlet channel and a chamber exhaust channel determines the pressure pulse duration and frequency.
  • rotational speeds are generally slow and generate pressure pulses varying frequencies and amplitudes, depending on whether you are increasing the rate of drilling, sending information, propagating seismic waves, fracturing the formation, or providing pulses for the injection into a formation for tertiary recovery.
  • the guide pole allows for the chamber inlet channel and the chamber exhaust channel to be linearly offset so that the top angled cutout never aligns with the chamber exhaust channel and the bottom angled cutout never aligns with the chamber inlet channel.
  • the flow throttling device includes within and attached to the flow throttling device at least one outer magnet and inner magnets are attached to an inner magnet sleeve which moves axially along the guide pole allowing the PFD medium to flow down the guide pole when the flow throttling device is in the open position and flows into the flow throttling device pressure chamber creating a hydraulic pressure that moves the flow throttling device upwards to ensure contact with the flow throttling device seat thus closing off the outer annular flow channels.
  • Another objective of the disclosure is where the outer magnets attached to the flow throttling device move with the flow throttling device past the inner magnets and inner magnet sleeve causing a magnetic end field of the outer magnets to pass a magnetic end field of the inner magnets, wherein the inner magnetic sleeve also includes a plurality of ports that align with the flow throttling device pressure chamber and pilot exhaust channels.
  • Another objective of the disclosure is where the arrangement of the magnetic poles at the ends of the magnets and orientation of the magnets within the flow throttling device, wherein the passing of the outer magnets causes the inner magnets to switch from magnetic repulsion (of like poles) to magnetic attraction (of unlike poles) causing the inner magnets and inner magnet sleeve to move upward thereby sealing the guide pole channel from the flow throttling device pressure chamber such that in this position the inner magnets and the inner magnet sleeve open up the pilot exhaust channels such that pressure is relieved from the flow throttling device pressure chamber and the flow throttling device is pushed down the guide pole.
  • Another objective of the disclosure is where the movement of the flow throttling device and outer magnets downward allows the outer magnets to travel past the inner magnets and inner magnet sleeve, magnetically attracting the inner magnets and allowing for movement of the inner magnet sleeve away from openings for the flow throttling device pressure chamber such that the outer magnets move down to cover the pilot exhaust channels opening up the guide pole channel allowing for filling of the flow throttling device pressure chambers.
  • the apparatus has a drill string adapter and with an outer casing with an upper pressure chamber and a lower pressure chamber such that the lower pressure chamber has one or more vent channels allowing for internal pressure to be equal to that of an annulus pressure.
  • Another objective of the disclosure includes a drill bit adapter shaped such that a piston land with a top land surface and a bottom land surface and land seal are all axially moveable and define a variable volume within the upper pressure chamber and lower pressure chamber.
  • the drill bit adapter also has a centrally located adapter channel through which drill mud flows to a drilling head.
  • the lower pressure chamber has an internal lower end spline through which an external drill bit adapter spline fits and an internal lower end spline and external drill bit adapter spline allowing for axial movement of the drill bit adapter and independent of the drill string adapter.
  • Yet another objective of the disclosure is where the intermeshing of the internal lower end spline and the external drill bit adapter spline interlock the drill string adapter and the drill bit adapter so that the adapters move as a unit rotationally
  • the upper pressure chamber contains an upper spring functioning to provide a variable pressure on the top land surface of the piston land thereby transmitting that force through the piston land to the drill bit adapter, wherein an upper spring compensates for variations in movement of a drill bit and subsequently the drill bit adapter and wherein the lower pressure chamber includes a lower spring which resides below the piston land and the drill bit adapter and contacts the bottom land surface.
  • Another objective of the disclosure is where the lower spring and the upper spring act in opposing directions to each other on the piston land, bottom land surface and top land surface thereby dampening axial motion of the drill bit adapter.
  • a drill bit adapter vent is included wherein the adapter channel to the lower pressure chamber for a measurement while drilling (MWD)/pulser or PFD device exists such that the vent channel may be capped or blocked and wherein installation of an MWD/pulser or PFD device may be installed within the adapter channel.
  • MWD measurement while drilling
  • the downhole drilling apparatus for mounting on a drill string, having a drill bit, exists and the apparatus has a MWD or PFD apparatus.
  • a pressure responsive device operatively associated with the MWD or PFD apparatus and responsive to pressure pulses produced by the MWD or PFD apparatus creates an impulse force on a portion of the drill string, wherein the impulse force is utilized to provide a hammer drilling effect at the drill bit.
  • the pressure responsive device is in the form of a shock tool.
  • shock tool forms part of the drill string and axially extends and retracts in response to changes in internal fluid pressure.
  • the shock tool is tubular and comprises of two telescoping parts with a spring located therebetween.
  • Another objective of the disclosure is where the one of the parts defines a piston, such that a rise in PFD medium pressure within the tool tends to separate the parts and thus axially extend the tool.
  • Another objective of the disclosure is where the pressure responsive device is located above the MWD or PFD apparatus.
  • Another objective of the disclosure is where the pressure responsive device is located below the MWD or PFD apparatus.
  • An additional objective of the disclosure is where two or more apparatuses for generating pressure pulses in a PFD medium are combined, flowing within a drill string having a pulse generating device longitudinally and axially positioned within an annular drill collar flow channel such that the PFD medium flows through the annular drill collar flow channel and the PFD medium is guided into two sets of selectively reversible flow, upper and lower flow connecting channels, wherein the connecting channels are connected to an inner flow channel and the annular drill collar flow channel, and wherein the annular drill collar flow channel is acted upon by one or more flow throttling devices thereby transmitting signals, wherein the device utilizes a turbine residing near and within proximity of a flow diverter that diverts the PFD medium in the annular flow channel into and away from turbine blades such that the force of the PFD medium causes the turbine blades and the turbine to rotationally spin around a coil assembly.
  • An additional objective in the disclosure is to claim this method in which pressure pulses apply an additional force to the bit and then releasing this force, thus pulling the drill bit away from the cutting surface and allowing the stored energy in the fluid column to clean the bit and cuttings away as the bit withdraws from the cutting surface.
  • the device illustrated produces pressure pulses in PFD medium flowing through a tubular drill collar or PIM and an upper annular drill collar flow channel.
  • the flow guide is secured to the inner diameter of the drill collar/PIM.
  • the centralizer secures the lower portion of the pulse generating device and is comprised of a non-magnetic, rigid, wear resistant material with outer flow channels.
  • the pulser assembly provides essentially four outer flow channels that allow fluid or gas, such as drilling mud, or PFD medium to flow. These are defined as the upper annular, the middle annular, lower annular, and centralizer annular collar flow channels.
  • the inner lower and inner middle flow channels direct the PFD medium flow to the pulser assembly within the PFD device.
  • Annular flow of the PFD medium, by the flow guide and flow throttling device, is essentially laminar, and pulse signals are generated that are more detectable. Incorporation of a method and system of magnetic coupling, a concentrically located turbine, inductive coil for electrical power generation, bellows design and reduced pressure differential, collectively significantly reduce battery energy consumption when compared with conventional PFD devices.
  • the PFD device utilizes a turbine residing near and within the proximity of a flow diverter.
  • the flow diverter diverts PFD medium in an annular flow channel into and away from the turbine blades such that the force of the PFD medium causes the turbine blades and turbine to rotationally spin around an induction coil.
  • the induction coil generates electrical power for operating the motor and other instrumentation mentioned previously.
  • the motor is connected to the pilot actuator assembly via a drive shaft.
  • the pilot actuator assembly comprises a magnetic coupling and pilot assembly.
  • the magnetic coupling comprises outer magnets placed in direct relation to inner magnets located within the magnetic pressure cup or magnetic coupling bulkhead. The magnetic coupling translates the rotational motion of the motor, via the outer magnets to linear motion of the inner magnets via magnetic polar interaction.
  • the linear motion of the inner magnets moves the pilot assembly, comprising the pilot shaft, and pilot valve, linearly moving the pilot into the pilot seat. This action allows for closing the pilot seat, pressurizing the flow throttling device, closing the flow throttling device orifice, thereby generating a pressure pulse. Further rotation of the motor and drive shaft, via the magnetic coupling, moves the pilot assembly and pilot away from the pilot seat, depressurizing the flow throttling device sliding pressure chamber and opening the flow throttling device and completing the pressure pulse.
  • Identical operation of the pilot into and out of the pilot seat orifice can also be accomplished via linear to linear and also rotation to rotation motions of the outer magnets in relation to the inner magnets such that, for example, rotating the outer magnet to rotate the inner magnet to rotate a (rotating) pilot valve causing changes in the pilot pressure, thereby pushing the FTD (flow throttling device) up or down.
  • Unique features of the pulser include the combination of middle and lower inner flow channels, flow throttling device, bellows, and upper and lower flow connecting channels possessing angled outlet openings that helps create signals during transitioning from both the sealed (closed) and unsealed (open) positions. Additional unique features include a flow guide for transitional flow and a sliding pressure chamber designed to allow for generation of the pressure pulses. The flow throttling device slides axially on a pulser guide pole being pushed by the pressure generated in the sliding pressure chamber when the pilot is in the seated position. Increased bit rate is generated by allowing the PFD medium to quickly back flow through the unique connecting channel openings when the pilot is in the open position.
  • Bi-directional axial movement of the poppet assembly is generated by rotating the motor causing magnets to convert the rotational motion to linear motion which opens and closes the pilot valve. It should be noted that rotary-rotary, rotary-linear, and linear-linear interaction of magnets with the poppet valve of the flow throttling device are all acceptable and possible modes of moving the pulser in a bi-directional manner.
  • Pulses of identical magnitude and frequency may be transmitted because the pulse is developed in near-laminar flow within the uniquely designed flow channels and a repeatable water hammer effect occurs due to the small amount of time required to close the flow throttling device.
  • the method for generating pressure pulses in a PFD medium flowing downward within a drill string or PIM in a region above or below the drill bit/PIM and/or the positive displacement motor or rotary steerable tool includes starting at an initial first position wherein a pilot (that can seat within a pilot seat which resides at the bottom of the middle inner flow channel) within a lower inner flow channel is not initially engaged with the pilot seat. The pilot is held in this position with the magnetic coupling. The next step involves rotating the motor causing the magnetic fields of the outer and inner magnets to move the pilot actuator assembly thereby moving the pilot into an engaged position with the pilot seat.
  • This motion seals a lower inner flow channel from the middle inner flow channel and forces the inner PFD medium into a pair of upper connecting flow channels, expanding the sliding pressure chamber, causing a flow throttling device to move up toward a middle annular flow channel and stopping before the orifice seat, thereby causing a flow restriction.
  • the flow restriction causes a pressure pulse or pressure increase transmitted uphole.
  • PFD medium remains in the exterior of the lower connecting flow channels, thus reducing the pressure drop across the pilot seat. This allows for minimal force requirements for holding the pilot in the closed position. In the final position, the pilot moves back to the original or first position away from the pilot orifice while allowing fluid to flow through the second set of lower connecting flow channels within the lower inner flow channel.
  • An alternative embodiment for this PFD assembly unit includes connecting the motor to a drive shaft through a mechanical device such as a worm gear, barrel cam face cam or other mechanical means for converting the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion to propel the pilot actuator assembly.
  • a mechanical device such as a worm gear, barrel cam face cam or other mechanical means for converting the rotational motion of the motor into linear motion to propel the pilot actuator assembly.
  • An electronic circuit package can be used to control the motion and frequency of opening and closing the flow throttling device.
  • Yet another embodiment of the this PFD assembly unit includes a device which includes a pulser housing or bell with ports or channels through the housing or bell itself to allow for pilot flow exhaust adding another feature which assists in ensuring that pulsing continues if other flow channels become clogged during operation.
  • the use of hydraulics together with an anti-magnetic polar interaction is used to drive the flow throttling device such that magnets are located both within an extended and elongated pulser bell housing and as part of the magnet coupling assembly that is initially located below the flow throttling device.
  • the anti-magnetic forces (caused by N-S pole alignments) push the pulser bell/flow throttling device assembly toward either an opened or closed position.
  • the magnetic forces are always pushing against each other which allows for more regulated movement of the bell and FTD and helps ensure that there is little or no "sticking" of the position of the bell or poppet in the "dead center” position.
  • a rotational poppet is utilized, similar or identical to that used with the prior inventors' MWD tool.
  • This poppet activates the flow throttling device (FTD) so that pulses are created.
  • the flow is diverted directly to the turbine which rotates the turbine blades (similar in design to the MWD turbine blades) at different or variable speeds depending on channel dimensions as well as the design of the turbine blades themselves. It has been determined that blades with small degree angles may turn slowly enough so that control of the motion of FTD is possible without the use of gears. For example, a high torque provided by the flow to the turbine could lead to a low spin speed of the blade, thereby allowing the operator freedom to choose pulse frequency and amplitude/magnitude. Pulse amplitude and rate is vitally important to drilling straight holes, drilling speeds, drilling lengths or fracturing of the formation(s). Additionally, separate flow channels can be used as a failsafe mechanism to allow flow to by-pass the FTD.
  • FTD flow throttling device
  • a more conventional telescoping hammer "sub" drill arrangement can be employed in that the flow throttling device and remainder of the PFD described in the first apparatus above is located in special location with the drill collar.
  • the location allows for telescoping of the collar, such that the collar provides a pistoning effect as pulsing occurs.
  • the bell portion of the FTD closes, it is desirable to "hammer" the drill bit more than what would normally occur in the presence of PFD medium or drilling mud.
  • the pressure above the drill collar increases. This increased pressure expands the hammer "sub" drill arrangement.
  • a gamma ray sensor together with any of the aforementioned designs will enhance the ability to keep the drilling rig and bit within the "payzone" for extended times.
  • the use of these designs with or without a drill bit can be extended to determining more information regarding the oil/gas formation by measuring the magnitude of the pulses at distances remote from the downhole bore location.
  • Sensors which may be placed at different locations away from the drilling site i.e. in nearby boreholes or several locations on the surface could be used to triangulate the exact location of the drill bit based on transit times in formations, indicate formation types due to pulse magnitude and propagation dampening, location of fractures in real time relative to the bit for directing while drilling, travel distance and velocities as required by the operation.
  • the device illustrated produces pressure pulses in drilling fluid flowing through a tubular drill collar and upper annular drill collar flow channel.
  • the flow guide is secured to the inner diameter of the drill collar/PIM.
  • the centralizer secures the lower portion of the pulse generating device and is comprised of a non-magnetic, rigid, wear resistant material with outer flow channels.
  • the pilot In the open position the pilot is not engaged within the pilot seat allowing flow through the pilot seat. In the open position, fluid flows past the fishing head through the mud screen where a portion of the fluid flows through the pilot assembly. Fluid within the fishing head assembly flows through the upper orifice between the fishing head inner screen and the guide pole channel to allow for flow within the guide pole channel in the center of the pulser guide pole.
  • pilot actuator assembly moves the pilot until it is in closed position with the pilot seat where no flow through can occur.
  • the pilot actuator assembly is the only portion of the shaft that moves the pilot in a translational or rotational direction.
  • the pilot orifice and pilot seat must be related to ensure hydraulic pressure differential which allows proper movement of the flow throttling device.
  • the lower inner flow channel and the lower flow connecting channels are effectively sealed from the pilot channel so that their fluid flow is completely restricted from the interior of the FTD. As this sealing is achieved, fluid still enters the inner flow channel via the connecting channel, thus almost equalizing the pressure across the pilot assembly.
  • the downward flow through the drill collar causes the fluid to flow past the fishing head and mud screen assembly. Fluid then flows into the middle inner flow channel through the upper flow connecting channels and into the sliding pressure chamber filling and expanding the sliding pressure chamber, causing the flow throttling device to rise along the pulser guide pole. This effectively restricts the middle annular drill collar flow channel from the lower annular drill collar flow channel, thereby generating a positive signal pulse at the throttle zone for pulse generation and corresponding signal transmittal.
  • the present invention allows for several sized FTD's ( Figures 2A-D ) to be placed in a drilling collar, thereby allowing for different flow restrictions and/or frequencies which will cause an exponential increase in the data rate that can be transmitted up hole.
  • the signal provided in conventional technology is by a pulse that can be received up hole by use of a pressure transducer that is able to differentiate pressure pulses (generated downhole). These uphole pulses are then converted into useful signals providing information for the oilfield operator, such as gamma ray counts per second, azimuth, etc.
  • Another advantage of the present disclosure is the ability to create a clean (essentially free of noise) pulse signal that is essentially independent of the fluid flow rate or pressure within the drill collar.
  • the present invention thereby allows for pulses of varying amplitudes (in pressure) and frequencies to increase the bit rate. Addition of more than one pulser assemblies would lead to an exponential increase in the data bit rate received uphole.
  • the connecting flow channels allow for equalization of the pressure drop across the pilot to be matched by the flow throttling device (FTD) as a servo-amplifier.
  • FTD flow throttling device
  • the primary pressure change occurs between the inner middle and inner lower flow channels providing a pressure drop created by the flow throttling device restricting the annular flow through the throttle zone.
  • the pressure drop across the pilot is the only force per unit area that must be overcome to engage or disengage the pilot from the seated position and effect a pulse. This pressure drop across a minimal cross-sectional area of the pilot ensures that only a small force is required to provide a pulse in the larger flow area of the FTD.
  • Magnetic coupling alleviates the concern for a rotary seal or bellow type seal which other MWD tools possess and it is noted that such seals have caused flooding and maintenance issues.
  • MWD Measurement-While-Drilling
  • the device illustrated produces pressure pulses in drilling fluid flowing through a tubular drill collar [29] and upper annular drill collar flow channel [2].
  • the flow guide [23480] is secured to the inner diameter of the drill collar [29].
  • the centralizer [36] secures the lower portion of the MWD and is comprised of a non-magnetic, rigid, wear resistant material with outer flow channels.
  • Major assemblies of the MWD are shown as the fishing head assembly [15000], flow throttling device and pulser actuator assembly complete the pulser assembly [170], turbine [110] and coil assembly [125], motor [130], various instrumentation [160], battery [71500], and stinger [87010].
  • Figure 2A details the open position; drilling mud [115] flows past the fishing head assembly [15000] and fishing head outer screen [15020] where a portion of the drilling mud [115] flows through the fishing head inner screen [15030].
  • Drilling mud [115] within the fishing head assembly [15000] flows through the upper orifice [26020] between the fishing head inner screen [15030] and the guide pole channel [175] to allow for flow within the guide pole channel [175] in the center of the pulser guide pole [26010].
  • the present invention allows for several sized flow throttling devices ( Figure 1 ) to be placed in a drilling collar, thereby allowing for various pressure pulse amplitudes and/or frequencies and consequential exponential increases in the data rate.
  • Figure 2B describes the MWD device [100] which utilizes a turbine [110] residing near and within proximity of a flow diverter [38013].
  • the flow diverter [38013] diverts drilling mud [115] in an lower annular drill collar flow channel [120] into and away from the turbine blade [38230] such that the force of the drilling mud [115] causes the turbine blade [38230] and turbine assembly [110] to rotationally spin around a coil assembly [125].
  • the coil assembly [125] generates electrical power for operating the motor [130] and other instrumentation [160] ( Figure 1 ).
  • the motor [130] comprises a worm gear [26920] or transmission system with fixed or adjustable gear ratios, a drive shaft [26910] centrally located between the motor [130] and the outer magnets [26510] and mechanically coupled to both.
  • Located in a position external to the magnetic pressure cup [26210] are outer magnets [26510] placed in relation to inner magnets [26410] located in a position inside the magnetic pressure cup [26210] forming a magnetic coupling.
  • the coupling is for translating the rotational motion of the motor [130], and outer magnets [26510] to linear motion for the inner magnets [26410] via a magnetic polar interaction.
  • the linear motion of the inner magnets [26410] help move the pilot actuator assembly [135], comprised of the rear pilot shaft [26240], front pilot shaft [26230] and pilot [26220], linearly moving the pilot [26220] into the pilot seat [140] closing the pilot seat orifice [145] lifting the flow throttling device [26150] into the flow throttling device orifice [150] thereby generating a pressure pulse.
  • a pilot valve [26225] is comprised of the pilot [26220], the pilot seat [140] and the pilot seat orifice [145].
  • FIG. 2B shows the turbine [110] which resides within the lower annular flow channel [120] of the flow guide [23480].
  • the lower annular flow channel [120] may have special diverting vanes [38013] that direct the flow of the drilling mud [115] through and around the surface of the turbine [110].
  • the diverter vanes [38013] project from the flow guide extension [26710] in a fashion so as to direct the flow of the drilling mud [115] to move the turbine blade [38230] and attached turbine assembly [110] thereby changing the linear motion of the drilling mud [115] into rotational motion of the turbine assembly [110].
  • the turbine shroud [38310] contains magnets [155] that rotate with the motion of the turbine [110] around a coil assembly [125] causing electrical power to be generated for the operation of the motor [130].
  • the outside diameter of the turbine blade [38230] is smaller than the flow guide extension [26710] inner diameter, thereby allowing the turbine [110] to be removed concurrently with the pulser housing [26810] from the MWD device [100].
  • the configuration of the turbine blade [38230] and flow diverter [38013] may be of various angles depending on the drilling conditions and needs of the pulsation rate (frequency) and magnitude (amplitude) for the downhole pulser.
  • the electrical power is used for operation of various instrumentation [160] ( Figure 1 ) such as accelerometers, photo-multiplier tubes (PMT), crystal gamma ray scintillators and other useful instrumentation sensors and processors.
  • Excess power provides charging for the onboard battery [71500]( Figure 1 ) for storage and use under certain conditions where the coil assembly [125] does not generate enough power to operate the MWD device [100] under no flow conditions.
  • the velocity and consistency of the drilling mud [115] traveling through the annular flow channel [120] may vary due to wellbore conditions generally providing varying forces on the turbine [110].
  • the varying forces cause the turbine [110] to spin at different velocities exhibiting a wide range of power to be developed by the coil assembly [125]. Fluctuations in the power are regulated through an electrical regulation circuit.
  • the motor [130] receives a signal from a computer [165](not shown) that is onboard the MWD device [100] to move the drive shaft [26910].
  • the motor [130] may be synchronous, asynchronous or stepper and is activated to fully rotate or to rotationally increment various degrees, depending on the wellbore conditions or the observed signal intensity and/or duration.
  • Figure 2C shows the section of the MWD device [100] containing various instrumentation [160], starting with the motor [130].
  • Standard instrumentation known to those skilled in the art, may include but are not limited to accelerometers, photo-multiplier tubes (PMT), crystal gamma ray scintillators and other useful instrumentation needed for monitoring drilling, fracing, formations, pressures, temperatures.
  • PMT photo-multiplier tubes
  • crystal gamma ray scintillators and other useful instrumentation needed for monitoring drilling, fracing, formations, pressures, temperatures.
  • Operational power consumption to retain the pilot in any position is less than current MWD pulsing or fracing technology.
  • the linear motion of the flow throttling device [26150] axially along the pulser guide pole [26010] is both up and down (along a bi-axial direction).
  • Figure 3 shows the pulser assembly [170] within a drill collar [29] when in the closed position the pilot actuator assembly [135] moves the pilot [26220] until it is in closed position with the pilot seat [140] where no flow through can occur.
  • the front pilot shaft [26230] is the only portion of the pilot actuator assembly that moves the pilot [26220] in a translational or rotational direction.
  • the pulser assembly [170] comprising a pulser housing [26810] of a non-magnetic material, and a magnetic pressure cup [26210], which is also comprised of a non-magnetic material, and encompassed by the outer magnets [26510].
  • the outer magnets [26510] may comprise several magnets, or one or more components of magnetic or ceramic material exhibiting several magnetic poles within a single component. Additionally the magnetic pole positions may be customizable, depending on the drilling conditions, to achieve a clear pressure signal.
  • the outer magnets are housed in an outer magnet housing [26515] that is attached to the drive shaft [26910].
  • the inner magnet assembly that contains the pilot actuator assembly [135] comprised of the rear pilot shaft [26240] linearly engaged in a front pilot shaft [26230], which is moved longitudinally in the center of the pulser assembly [170].
  • the rear pilot shaft [26240] also comprised of non-magnetic material.
  • the outer magnets [26510] and the inner magnets [26410] are placed so that the magnetic polar regions interact, attracting and repelling as the outer magnets [26510] are moved about the inner magnets [26410].
  • the linear motion is along the rear pilot shaft [26240], through the front pilot shaft [26230], the bellows [26310] and to the pilot [26220] thereby opening or closing the passage between the pilot [26220] and the pilot seat [140].
  • outer magnets [26510] and inner magnets [26410] to provide movement from rotational motion to linear motion also allows the motor [130]( Figure 2B ) to be located in an air atmospheric environment in lieu of the use of a lubricating fluid [180] environment inside the magnetic pressure cup [26210]. This also allows for a decrease in the cost of the motor [130]( Figure 2B ), decreased energy consumption and subsequently decreased cost of the actual MWD/pulser device [100]( Figure 1 ). It also alleviates the possibility of flooding the tool instead of the use of a moving mechanical seal and the time and effort to effect and maintain a pressure compensating system.
  • Switching fields between the outer magnets [26510] and the inner magnets [26410] provides a magnetic spring like action that allows for pressure relief by moving the pilot [26220] away from the pilot seat [140] thereby regulating the pulse magnitude. Additionally the outer magnets [26510], operate in the lower pressure of the pulser housing [26810] as opposed to the higher pressure within the magnetic pressure cup [26210], allowing for a greatly reduced need in the amount of energy required by the motor to longitudinally move the pilot actuator assembly [135].
  • the front pilot shaft [26230] passes through the anti-rotation block [26350] located below the bellows [26310].
  • the anti-rotation block [26350] located near the bellows [26310] is secured to the inside of the magnetic pressure cup [26210] and restricts the rotational movement of the front pilot shaft [26230].
  • an embodiment of the bellows [26310] includes sealing a portion of the surface of the front pilot shaft [26230] engaged around a pilot shaft land [26351] and the interior of the hollow magnetic pressure cup [26210]. Sealing of the bellows [26310] keeps drilling mud [115] from entering the bellows chamber [185] and intermingling with the inner magnet chamber lubricating fluid [180] when the pilot [26220] is moved to an open position off the pilot seat [140]. Another embodiment is to allow the bellows [26310] to move linearly, concurrent with the front pilot shaft [26230].
  • the design of the bellows [26310] interacting with the front pilot shaft [26230] and the bellows chamber [185] allow the bellows [26310] to conform to the space constraints of the bellows chamber [185] providing flexible sealing without the bellows [26310] being displaced by the drilling mud [115]. It was also found that the double loop [190] configuration of the bellows [26310] consumes much less energy than previous designs thereby reducing the overall consumption of energy. Energy consumption is also reduced by pre-filling the bellows chamber [185] with appropriate lubricating fluid [180]. This allows for reduction of the pressure differential on both sides of the bellows [26310]. The smaller pressure differential enhances performance by the bellows [26310] and minimizes wear and energy consumption.
  • the lubricating fluid [180] may be petroleum, synthetic or bio-based and should exhibit compression characteristics similar to hydraulic fluid.
  • the double loop [190] configuration of the bellows is designed to minimize energy consumption.
  • Figure 6 shows another embodiment of the present disclosure pertaining to the configuration of the guide pole channel [175] and orifice chamber [200] in the proximity of the pilot seat [140] and pilot seat orifice [145].
  • the flow throttling device [26150] moves toward the flow throttling device seat [210].
  • the pilot [26220] is not contacting the pilot seat [140] the flow throttling device [26150] withdraws from the flow throttling device seat [210].
  • the pressure differential between the drilling mud [115] pressure and the orifice chamber [200] moves the flow throttling device [26150] rapidly, enabling a very forceful restriction of the flow throttling device orifice [150] and a very defined pulse and therefore clearer signals which are more easily interpreted.
  • FIG 7 is an alternate view of cross-section of a PFD device [101] showing the PFD device [101] without a drill collar [29].
  • the PFD medium [116] flows into the upper annular drill collar flow channel [2] located inside the flow guide [23480] which may be integral to the collar [29].
  • Internal to the flow guide [23480] is a guide pole [26010] which allows the flow throttling device [26150] to move axially along the guide pole [26010] where the flow throttling device [26150] will contact the flow throttling seat [210] thereby sealing off the outer annular flow channels [215].
  • the flow guide seal [220] keeps or PFD medium [116] from flowing around the flow guide [23480] thereby ensuring that the PFD medium [116] only flows through the outer annular flow channels [215] and through the guide pole channel [175].
  • Figure 7 shows the flow throttling device [26150] in the open position and the pilot [23220] in the closed position sitting within the pilot seat [140], where the flow throttling device [26150] is away from the flow throttling seat [210] allowing the flow throttling device pressure chamber [225] to fill with or PFD medium [116] through the pilot connecting passage [230] via the guide pole channel [175].
  • the flow throttling device [26150] moves up within the flow guide [23480] due to hydraulic pressure caused by the or PFD medium [116] exerting a hydraulic force acting on the flow throttling device [26150] in the flow throttling device pressure chamber [225].
  • the force acts to push the flow throttling device [26150] up within the flow guide [23480] and subsequently moves the outer magnets [26510] in the same direction.
  • the outer magnets [26510] continue to move up and subsequently the opposing magnetic fields of the outer magnets [26510] pass the center of the magnetic fields of the inner magnets [26410].
  • the inner magnets [26410] attached to the pilot [23220] then, due to the magnetic fields, move in the opposite direction as the outer magnets [26510] cause the pilot [23220] to move down, in the same direction as the inner magnets [26410], thereby moving the pilot [23220] off the pilot seat [140]. Movement of the pilot [23220] off the pilot seat [140] allows or PFD medium [116] to flow through the pilot exhaust channels [235] into the annular drill collar flow channel [2] thereby relieving pressure in the flow throttling device pressure chamber [225]. Release of this pressure causes the flow throttling device [26150] to reverse direction away from the flow throttling seat [210].
  • the outer magnets [26510] move downward thereby moving past the center of the magnetic fields of the inner magnets [26410] subsequently causing the inner magnets [26410] to move in an upward direction, again due to opposing magnetic fields.
  • the upward movement of the inner magnets [26410] moves the pilot [23220] into the pilot seat [140] causing the flow throttling device pressure chamber [225] to refill to repeat the aforementioned cycle.
  • the outer magnets [26510] are stacked in position such that the fields are in opposition to each other. For example the stack top magnetic end is “N” and the bottom end is “S”. Moving down to the next magnet the field is “S” on the top and “N” on the bottom. Repeating the first sequence the top end is “N” and the bottom end is “S”.
  • the inner magnets [26410] fields are stacked similarly.
  • the pilot [23220] is attached to the inner magnets [26410] and through a bellows [26310] which resides in a bellows chamber [185].
  • the bellows chamber [185] is filled with a viscous liquid and also acts as a dampening source for the pilot [23220].
  • Figure 8 shows a cross section of a pulsing/fracturing/drilling (PFD) device [101] without the drill collar [29] where the (fluid or gas) PFD medium [116] (the dashed arrows indicate direction of flow) flows into the flow guide [23480] annular drill collar flow channel [2] and also into the guide pole [26010] in the pilot flow channel [175].
  • the PFD medium [116] from the annular drill collar flow channel [2] flows through the outer annular flow channels [215] when the flow throttling device [26150] is in the open position and not in contact with the flow throttling device seat [210].
  • the rotating motor [250] provides rotational motion to the rotating valve [245].
  • the upper portion of the rotating valve [245] resides at the bottom of the guide pole [26010] and, upon rotation, allows the rotating valve flow bevel [280] to seal and unseal the guide pole exit channel [26011]. Sealing the guide pole exit channel [26011] forces the PFD medium [116] to flow into the flow throttling device pressure chamber [225] thereby hydraulically moving the flow throttling device [26150] up the guide pole [26010] until it contacts the flow throttling device seat [210] closing off the outer annular flow channels [215].
  • the rotating motor [250] rotates the rotating valve [245] such that the rotating valve flow bevel [280] passes the guide pole exit channel [26011] allowing for the PFD medium [116] in the flow throttling device pressure chamber [225] to evacuate, thereby reducing the hydraulic pressure acting on the flow throttling device [26150] and allowing the flow throttling device [26150] to move downward on the guide pole [26010] unsealing the outer annular flow channels [215].
  • Figure 9 shows a cross section of a PFD device [101] in a drill collar [29] where the PFD medium [116] (the dashed arrows indicate direction of flow) flows into the flow guide [23480] annular drill collar flow channel [2] and also into the guide pole [26010].
  • the or PFD medium [116] from the annular drill collar flow channel [2] flows through the outer annular flow channels [215] when the flow throttling device [26150] is in the open position and not in contact with the flow throttling device seat [210].
  • the PFD medium [116] flows unrestricted around the flow throttling device [26150] to the bypass flow regulator [255].
  • PFD medium [116] from the bypass flow regulator [255] continues moving down the outer annular flow channels [215] where it contacts the turbine blade [38230] causing the turbine blade [38230] to rotate the rotating motor [250].
  • the rotating motor [250] then rotates the rotating valve [245] within the flow throttling device [26150].
  • the rotating valve [245] has a top angled cutout [260] and a bottom angled cutout [265] that are located at the top-most portion of the rotating valve [245] within the lower end of the guide pole [26010].
  • PFD medium [116] is allowed to enter the flow throttling device pressure chamber [225].
  • the PFD medium [116] then exerts a hydraulic pressure raising the flow throttling device [26150] until it contacts the flow throttling device seat [210] shutting off the flow of PFD medium [116] through the outer annular flow channels [215].
  • the top angled cutout [260] passes by the chamber inlet channel [270] thus sealing off any PFD medium [116] flow into the flow throttling device pressure chamber [225].
  • the bottom angled cutout [265] then coincides with the chamber exhaust channel [275] allowing the evacuation of PFD medium [116] from the flow throttling device pressure chamber [225] and causing the flow throttling device [26150] to move away from the flow throttling device seat [210] and allowing PFD medium [116] to flow again through the outer annular flow channels [215].
  • the movement of the flow throttling device [26150] against and away from the flow throttling device seat [210] thereby opening and closing the outer annular flow channels [215] sends a pressure pulse through the PFD medium [116], causing cleansing of any drill bit that may be attached.
  • the pulse causes an increased removal of cuttings from any sort of drilling operation, annular area, or drill bit teeth or jets and also assists in fracturing formations due to the high shear pressures caused in the sudden release (shock) of a tremendous volume PFD medium [116] or of any fluid/gas column.
  • the large pressure pulses caused at the location of the perforations/liner/etc. are hydraulically amplified like a hammering action upon any sort of drill bit mechanism attached to it.
  • the top angled cutout [260] and the bottom angled cutout [265] are continuously rotated as part of the rotating valve [245] any time the PFD medium [116] is being used. Passage of the top angled cutout [260] and the bottom angled cutout [265] by the chamber inlet channel [270] and the chamber exhaust channel [275] act to provide a constantly intermittent flow of PFD medium [116] through the flow throttling device pressure chamber [225].
  • the rotational frequency of the top angled cutout [260] and the bottom angled cutout [265] by the chamber inlet channel [270] and the chamber exhaust channel [275] determine the pressure pulse duration and frequency. Rotational speeds (frequency) and pulse amplitudes (pressure pulse sizes) are variable, depending on the operator's settings and what is intended.
  • the guide pole [26010] allows for the chamber inlet channel [270] and the chamber exhaust channel [275] to be linearly offset so that the top angled cutout [260] never aligns with the chamber exhaust channel [275] and in parallel, the bottom angled cutout [265] never aligns with the chamber inlet channel [270].
  • Figure 10 is a cross section of a PFD device [101] without the drill collar [29] where the PFD medium [116] (the dashed arrows indicate direction of flow) flows into the flow guide [23480] annular drill collar flow channel [2] and also into the guide pole channel [175].
  • the PFD medium [116] from the annular drill collar flow channel [2] flows through the outer annular flow channels [215] when the flow throttling device [26150] is in the open position and not in contact with the flow throttling device seat [210].
  • the flow throttling device [26150] has, within and attached to it, outer magnet [26510] which is arranged in detail as explained in Figure 7 .
  • Inner magnets [26410] move axially along the guide pole [26010] to open and close the pilot exhaust channels [235].
  • the outer magnets [26510] attached to the flow throttling device [26150] move with the flow throttling device [26150] past the inner magnets [26410] causing the magnetic field of the outer magnets [26510] to repel the magnetic field of the inner magnets [26410] moving the inner magnets [26410] upward to close off the pilot exhaust channels [235].
  • the PFD medium [116] flows down the pilot flow channel [175] and flows into the flow throttling device pressure chamber [225] creating a hydraulic pressure that moves the flow throttling device [26150] upwards to contact the flow throttling device seat [210] thus closing off the outer annular flow channels [215].
  • the flow throttling device [26150] moves up to closed position due to the hydraulic pressure within the flow throttling device pressure chamber [225], the outer magnets [26510] attached to the flow throttling device [26150] move with the flow throttling device [26150] past the inner magnets [26410] causing the magnetic field of the outer magnets [26510] to repel the magnetic field of the inner magnets [26410] moving the inner magnets [26410] downward to open up the pilot exhaust channels [235] decreasing the hydraulic pressure in the flow throttling device pressure chamber [225] and allowing the flow throttling device [26150] to move downward to open position and thus repeating the cycle.
  • the passing of the outer magnets [26510] causes the inner magnets [26410] to repelling the inner magnets [26410] to move upward thereby sealing the guide pole channel [26011] from the flow throttling device pressure chamber [225].
  • the inner magnets [26410] and inner magnet sleeve [295] open up the pilot exhaust channels [235] where pressure is relieved from the flow throttling device pressure chamber [225] and the flow throttling device [26150] is pushed down the guide pole [26010].
  • Movement of the flow throttling device [26150] and outer magnets [26510] downward allows the outer magnets [26510] to travel past the inner magnets [26410] and inner magnet sleeve [295], magnetically attracting the inner magnets [26410] and moving the inner magnet sleeve [295] off the openings for the flow throttling device pressure chamber [225].
  • the outer magnets [26510] move down to cover the pilot exhaust channels [235] opening up the guide pole channel [26011] to allow for filling of the flow throttling device pressure chambers [225].
  • the inner magnets [26410] with the inner magnet sleeve [295] act as valving to open and close the flow throttling device pressure chamber [225] and the pilot exhaust channels [235].
  • Figure 11 provides a schematic for a drill string adapter [500] with an outer casing [510] with an upper pressure chamber [515] and a lower pressure chamber [520].
  • the lower pressure chamber [520] has one or more vent channel [525] which allows for internal pressure to be equal to that of the annulus pressure.
  • a drill bit adapter [530] is shaped such that a piston land [535] with a top land surface [540] and a bottom land surface [545] and land seal [550] are axially moveable and define a variable volume within the upper pressure chamber [515] and lower pressure chamber [520].
  • the drill bit adapter [530] also has a centrally located adapter channel [555] through which PFD medium [116] flows to the drilling head [not shown].
  • the lower pressure chamber [520] has an internal lower end spline [560] through which an external drill bit adapter spline [565] fits.
  • the internal lower end spline [560] and external drill bit adapter spline [565] allow for axial movement of the drill bit adapter [530] independent of the drill string adapter [500].
  • the intermeshing of the internal lower end spline [560] and the external drill bit adapter spline [565] interlock the drill string adapter [500] and the drill bit adapter [530] so that they move as a unit rotationally.
  • the upper pressure chamber [515] contains an upper spring [570] which functions to provide a variable pressure on the top land surface [540] of the piston land [535] thereby transmitting that force through the piston land [535] to the drill bit adapter [530].
  • the upper spring [570] compensates for variations in movement of the drill bit [not shown] and subsequently the drill bit adapter [530].
  • the lower pressure chamber [520] includes a lower spring [575] which resides below the piston land [535] and the drill bit adapter [530] and contacts the bottom land surface [545].
  • the lower spring [575] and the upper spring [570] act in opposing direction (inversely) to each other on the piston land [535], bottom land surface [545] and the top land surface [540] thereby dampening the axial motion of the drill bit adapter [530].
  • this design may be a drill bit adapter vent [580] from the adapter channel [555] to the lower pressure chamber [520] for an MWD [100] or PFD device [101] such that the vent channel [525] may be capped or blocked. Installation of an MWD [100] or PFD device [101] may be installed within the adapter channel [555].

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Claims (5)

  1. Un appareil adapté pour générer des pulsations de pression s'écoulant avec une colonne de forage dans le but de fracturer une formation, comprenant: un dispositif (101) générateur de pulsation / fracturation / forage (PFD) existant longitudinalement et axialement dans un canal d'écoulement annulaire d'une masse-tige de forage (2, 120, 305) dans une région située au-dessus ou au-dessous d'un trépan de forage, un moteur à déplacement positif (130) ou un outil orientable rotatif; dans lequel ledit dispositif de PFD (101) est adapté pour être situé à proximité d'une formation d'intérêt nécessitant une injection pour une récupération tertiaire ou est situé adjacent à ladite formation en train d'être fracturée de sorte qu'un moyen (liquide ou gazeux) (116) de pulsation / fracturation / forage (PFD) s'écoule à travers ledit canal d'écoulement annulaire de la masse-tige de forage (2, 120, 305) et ledit moyen de PFD (116) est guidé dans deux ensembles de canaux d'écoulement sélectivement réversibles (23, 230, 235), à savoir des canaux de liaison d'écoulement pilote et inférieur, dans lequel lesdits canaux de liaison (23, 230, 235) sont connectés à un canal polaire de guidage (175, 26011) et audit canal d'écoulement annulaire de la masse-tige de forage (2, 120, 305), et dans lequel ledit canal d'écoulement annulaire de la masse-tige de forage (2, 120, 305) utilise un ou plusieurs dispositifs de réglage d'écoulement (FTDs) (26150) permettant la transmission de signaux, ledit appareil comprenant lesdits dispositifs de réglage d'écoulement (26150) et une turbine (110) avec un déflecteur d'écoulement (38013) qui dévie ledit moyen de PFD (116) dans ledit canal d'écoulement annulaire de la masse-tige de forage (2, 120, 305) dans et à l'écart des aubes de turbine (38230) de sorte qu'une force créée par ledit moyen de PFD (116) provoque le rotation desdites aubes de turbine (38230) et de ladite turbine (110) autour d'un ensemble de bobines (125) et dans lequel ledit appareil pour générer des impulsions comprend un ensemble actionneur pilote (135) comprenant un pilote (26220), un arbre pilote (26230, 26240), un double soufflet de roulement (26310), au moins un dispositif de réglage de l'écoulement (26150), une chambre à soufflet (185), et un pôle de guidage de pulseur (26010), dans lesquels des canaux de liaison d'écoulement pilote et inférieur (23, 230, 235) permettent l'inversion de l'écoulement et dans lesquels ledit pilote (26220) scelle un canal d'écoulement annulaire de masse-tige de forage intermédiaire (305) partant dudit canal d'écoulement inférieur (23) et de telle sorte que ledit dispositif de réglage de l'écoulement (FTD) (26150) et ledit pilote (26220) sont capables d'un mouvement axial bidirectionnel le long de ou à l'intérieur dudit pôle de guidage de pulseur (26010) et dans lequel ledit ensemble de bobines (125) génère de l'énergie électrique pour faire fonctionner ledit moteur (130) et d'autres équipements en fonctionnement, ledit moteur (130) comprenant un arbre d'entraînement (26910) situé de manière centrale entre ledit moteur (130) et un couplage de pression magnétique (26210) dans lequel ledit moteur (130) et ledit couplage (26210) sont couplés mécaniquement de sorte que ledit moteur (130) fait tourner des aimants externes (26510) dudit couplage de pression magnétique (26210) et déplace ledit ensemble actionneur pilote (135).
  2. L'appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit couplage de pression magnétique (26210) est formé par un emplacement externe et interne à une coupelle de pression magnétique (26210) où lesdits aimants externes (26510) sont placés par rapport aux aimants internes (26410), lesdits aimants internes (26410) situés dans une position à l'intérieur de ladite coupelle de pression magnétique (26210), ledit couplage (26210) permettant de traduire le mouvement de rotation dudit moteur (130) et des aimants externes (26510) en mouvement linéaire desdits aimants internes (26410) via une interaction polaire magnétique, dans lequel le mouvement linéaire desdits aimants internes (26410) déplace ledit ensemble actionneur pilote (135), déplaçant de manière linéaire ledit pilote (26220) dans un siège de pilote (140), fermant un orifice de siège de pilote (145), soulevant un dispositif de réglage d'écoulement (FTD) (26150) dans un orifice de réglage d'écoulement (150) et générant ainsi une pulsation dans lequel une rotation supplémentaire dudit arbre d'entraînement du moteur (26910) et des aimants externes (26510) déplacent ledit ensemble actionneur pilote (135) et ledit pilote (26220) loin du siège pilote (140) amenant ledit dispositif de réglage d'écoulement (FTD) (26150) à s'éloigner dudit orifice de réglage d'écoulement (150), mettant ainsi fin à la pulsation positive.
  3. L'appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit pôle de guidage de pulseur (26010) est capable de fournir un chemin pour ledit pilote (26220) et ledit dispositif de réglage d'écoulement (FTD) (26150) pour fonctionner selon un mouvement axial bidirectionnel.
  4. L'appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit ensemble actionneur pilote (135) est constitué d'un arbre pilote arrière (26240), d'un arbre pilote avant (26230) et d'un pilote (26220).
  5. L'appareil selon la revendication 1, dans lequel la pression différentielle est minimale en ce sens qu'une faible force agissant sur une petite section transversale d'un siège de pilote (140) définit une pression qui est nécessaire pour engager ou désengager ledit pilote (26220).
EP08726053.5A 2007-05-03 2008-02-26 Amplification hydraulique d'écoulement pour un dispositif d'émission d'impulsions, de fracturation, et de forage (pfd) Active EP2148975B1 (fr)

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US92740007P 2007-05-03 2007-05-03
PCT/US2008/002469 WO2008136883A1 (fr) 2007-05-03 2008-02-26 Amplification hydraulique d'écoulement pour un dispositif d'émission d'impulsions, de fracturation, et de forage (pfd)

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EP2148975A1 EP2148975A1 (fr) 2010-02-03
EP2148975A4 EP2148975A4 (fr) 2015-05-06
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CA (1) CA2686737C (fr)
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CN111173488A (zh) * 2020-03-16 2020-05-19 西安诚科石油工程技术服务有限公司 一种利用可控冲击波实现气井投产的方法
WO2020227306A1 (fr) * 2019-05-06 2020-11-12 Schlumberger Technology Corporation Ensemble de forage à haute pression

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US7836948B2 (en) 2007-05-03 2010-11-23 Teledrill Inc. Flow hydraulic amplification for a pulsing, fracturing, and drilling (PFD) device
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CA2686737A1 (fr) 2008-11-13
EP2148975A4 (fr) 2015-05-06
EP2148975A1 (fr) 2010-02-03
CA2686737C (fr) 2015-10-06
RU2009144780A (ru) 2011-06-10
WO2008136883A1 (fr) 2008-11-13

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